Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women.

2003-03
FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology 35(2)
- G. Reid
- D. Charbonneau
- J. Erb
- B. Kochanowski
- D. Beuerman
- Russ Poehner
- A. Bruce

PubMed: 12628548
DOI: 10.1016/S0928-8244(02)00465-0

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 64
Population: Healthy women
Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial

Highly Cited

Abstract

Urogenital infections afflict an estimated one billion people each year. The size of this problem and the increased prevalence of multi-drug resistant pathogens make it imperative that alternative remedies be found. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 64 healthy women given daily oral capsules of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 for 60 days showed no adverse effects. Microscopy analysis showed restoration from asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis microflora to a normal lactobacilli colonized microflora in 37% women during lactobacilli treatment compared to 13% on placebo (P=0.02). Lactobacilli were detected in more women in the lactobacilli-treated group than in the placebo group at 28 day (P=0.08) and 60 day (P=0.05) test points. Culture findings confirmed a significant increase in vaginal lactobacilli at day 28 and 60, a significant depletion in yeast at day 28 and a significant reduction in coliforms at day 28, 60 and 90 for lactobacilli-treated subjects versus controls. The combination of probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 is not only safe for daily use in healthy women, but it can reduce colonization of the vagina by potential pathogenic bacteria and yeast.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F→Increased Vaginal Lactobacilli Levels
Culture findings confirmed a significant increase in vaginal lactobacilli at day 28 and 60.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F→Reduced Asymptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis
Microscopy analysis showed restoration from asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis microflora to a normal lactobacilli colonized microflora in 37% women during lactobacilli treatment compared to 13% on placebo (P=0.02).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F→Reduced Vaginal Coliform Levels
Culture findings confirmed a significant reduction in coliforms at day 28, 60 and 90 for lactobacilli-treated subjects versus controls.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F→Reduced Vaginal Yeast Infections
Culture findings confirmed a significant depletion in yeast at day 28 for lactobacilli-treated subjects versus controls.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus fermentum VPro 14→Increased Vaginal Lactobacilli Levels
Culture findings confirmed a significant increase in vaginal lactobacilli at day 28 and 60.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Lactobacillus fermentum VPro 14→Reduced Vaginal Coliforms
Culture findings confirmed... a significant reduction in coliforms at day 28, 60 and 90 for lactobacilli-treated subjects versus controls.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus fermentum VPro 14→Restored Vaginal Flora
Microscopy analysis showed restoration from asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis microflora to a normal lactobacilli colonized microflora in 37% women during lactobacilli treatment compared to 13% on placebo (P=0.02).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate